Spangled Drongo brings new chapter for The Citadel

THE Spangled Drongo Brewery has taken over operations at The Citadel in Murwillumbah, launching the partnership with a soft opening last week.

Hundreds of community members visited over two days to tour the venue and hear plans for its future as an events base.

Spangled Drongo co-director Darcy Crump said the project had come about through need and serendipity.

“We’ve been running mini festivals and live music at a lot of partner venues and hiring halls,” Crump said.

“We needed our own base to have continuity to bring people to us and to own the space and the experience.”

From conversations over the years with The Citadel’s owner, Rosie Evans, Crump said the idea had gradually developed.

Evans remains the owner and licensee, while the Drongos will manage day-to-day operations.

“Rosie has done an amazing job in turning this into such a formidable venue,” he said.

“She’s solidified herself in the scene for having a premier music venue, and artists are constantly reaching out to her.

“We want to honour what Rosie has built, and she will still be a part of those events.”

Crump has taken on bookings and said September events would run as scheduled while the team settles in and trains new staff.

“We see ourselves as caretakers and want to make it a diverse community place,” he said.

“We’re also creating an art gallery, so when there’s no live music, it’ll still be a local cultural space.”

Taking the room from an event-based space to opening the bar regularly is ambitious, but the Drongos are excited.

“We’ve got a great network of people and a couple of rock stars ready to step in,” he said.

“For now, with food, we’re keeping it super simple and tasty with gourmet toasties and sides, and we are in conversations with a potential chef.

“We’re serving primarily local drinks, including our beers, Caldera Brewing, and Ventura Brewing.

“We’re an independent brewery and we know how hard it is to get our products into venues, so bringing that into ours is something we’re passionate about.”

Plans are in progress for an official launch party towards the end of September and a schedule of new events.

“We’re excited. It’s been a big few weeks, so I’m ready to crack that first beer to be honest,” Crump said.

“We’re fortunate to have the privilege to step in here and give it a go in partnership with Rosie and with her blessing.”

For information, visit spangleddrongo.com.au